Love Mountain Trips? Here’s How to Beat Motion Sickness

Love Mountain Trips? Here’s How to Beat Motion Sickness
      During this beautiful weather, many are likely packing bags to head up the mountains, breathe in the fresh air, and witness the morning sea of mist—especially on routes like Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son with its thousands of curves, or the steep climb up Doi Inthanon. While stunning, those "winding roads" are a major obstacle for many, turning a dream trip into a nightmare due to Motion Sickness. Dizziness and nausea aren't signs of weakness but a reaction to the body’s confusion over movement. Today, we’re sharing pro tips to prepare and prevent motion sickness so you can conquer every peak gracefully.

Why do winding mountain roads cause motion sickness more easily?

• Sensory Conflict : As the car swings through curves, your inner ear tells the brain you're moving, but your eyes (if looking at a phone or inside the car) tell the brain you're sitting still. This conflict confuses the brain, leading to nausea.
• Air Pressure Changes : Climbing high altitudes changes air pressure, affecting the inner ear—the core of your body's balance control.
• Poor Ventilation : Closing windows tight against the cold reduces oxygen and traps smells like food or AC, which are major triggers for vomiting.

How to prepare before the wheels turn?

• Choose the "Right" Seat : The front passenger seat is the "golden spot" as it allows your eyes to see the horizon and the road ahead, reducing sensory conflict.
• Eat Wisely : Avoid heavy, oily, or spicy foods 1-2 hours before traveling. However, don't travel on an empty stomach; a light snack is best.
• Get Enough Sleep : A tired nervous system is more sensitive to stimuli, making motion sickness more likely and severe.
• Timing Your Meds : If using medication (like Dimenhydrinate), take it at least 30 minutes before starting the trip so it has time to take effect.

Pro-tips during the "Thousand Curves" :

• Focus on the "Horizon" : Look far ahead at a stationary point or follow the curve's line to sync your eyes and brain with the car’s movement.
• Avoid Visual Tasks : Strictly no reading, using phones, or watching series, as these intensify the neurological conflict.
• Let in Fresh Air : Crack the window slightly to let natural air circulate. This reduces the feeling of stuffiness and refreshes the brain.
• Smooth Driving is Key : (For the driver) Maintain constant speed and corner smoothly. Sudden braking and jerking are the main causes of passengers "breaking down."

Immediate remedies if nausea strikes :

• Herbal Rescue : Sniffing a "nasal inhaler" or "orange peel" provides relaxation. Sipping warm ginger water before the trip also works wonders for nausea.
• Acupressure : Press the Neiguan Point, located about 3 finger-widths down from the inner wrist. This helps relieve nausea according to Traditional Chinese Medicine.
• Something Sour : Sucking on a dried plum (Buay) or sour fruit stimulates saliva and cuts through the nauseous feeling in the throat.
• Rest When Needed : Don't push through if it's too much. Stop at a rest area to stretch, breathe, and wash your face

      Motion Sickness Remedies for mountain lovers start with proper preparation: rest well, take meds 30 mins early, and sit in front to watch the horizon. Avoid phones and keep the air fresh. Use inhalers or ginger for relief, and ask the driver for smooth turns. Combining preparation with behavioral changes will help you conquer those thousand curves and enjoy every bit of your trip.


Follow Our Social Network